Ep. 271 "Hope and Healing: Treating Nail Psoriasis"

Description: 

Nail psoriasis is tough to treat. Hear Rebecca, a patient who lives with nail psoriasis, and dermatologist Dr. Paul Yamauchi discuss the diagnosis, care, and treatment for this high-impact site.         

 Join host Roy Pankey as he addresses the complexities of nail psoriasis from diagnosis to coping and the latest research and treatments with leading dermatologist, Dr. Paul Yamauchi from the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center and Clinical Science Institute, and Rebecca, a patient advocate with the National Psoriasis Foundation who lives with nail psoriasis. Listen as they discuss the challenges associated with living with nail psoriasis, and what can be done to help manage the disease from self-care to treatment choices – including the latest research developments.  

 While nail psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose and treat, there are many actions that can be taken to help minimize the impact of this disease. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome Rebecca and dermatologist Dr. Paul Yamauchi.                                                        (0:58) Signs or changes to nails that indicate nail psoriasis is present.                                                                                         (2:07)  Elements and challenges to diagnosing nail psoriasis.                                                                                                                   (4:41)  What is a nail biopsy and how is it done.                                                                                                                                                    (5:25)  How nail psoriasis relates to psoriatic arthritis.                                                                                                                             (6:19)  What flares my nail psoriasis.                                                                                                                                                                        (6:57)  There are many treatment choices used to treat nail psoriasis based on convenience, impact  of disease, preference, and when to expect improvement.                                                                                                                                                                                  (10:13) A personal perspective on medications used to treat nail psoriasis.                                                                                                     (10:42) Research results of the latest medications used to treat nail psoriasis.                                                                                             (13:03) Upcoming oral agents that could be effective in treating nail psoriasis.                                                                                        (15:14) Self care tips, use of nail polish and artificial nails.                                                                                                                            (19:21) Nail psoriasis is challenging to treat. Be patient with yourself and your dermatologist.

Key Takeaways:

·       Nail psoriasis presents many challenges from living and coping with the disease to diagnosis  and treatment.  

·       Medication choices for nail psoriasis are based on convenience, impact of disease, and preference for use of topicals, phototherapy, oral agents, and/or biologics.  

·       Since nail psoriasis takes time to see improvement, it is important to be patient with yourself and your dermatologist.  

Guest Bios:

Dermatologist Dr. Paul Yamauchi is President and Medical Director of the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center and Clinical Science Institute in Santa Monia, CA. Dr. Yamauchi is a leading expert in the field of psoriasis and has extensive experience treating different types of psoriasis using the latest treatments from topicals to biologics. He is also a Clinical Professor in the Division of Dermatology with David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Yamauchi has conducted over 200 clinical research trials as principal investigator and is widely regarded as an outstanding clinical research investigator exploring innovative therapies, serving on advisory panels designing protocols that led to FDA approval of various medications. Dr. Yamauchi is a past member of the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Dermatology Surgery. 

Rebecca Cohen, is a patient advocate, who was diagnosed with plaque, scalp, and nail psoriasis at age 6 after being adopted by a dermatology physician’s assistant who quickly found the best treatment path for her. Prior to that time she was told she had eczema. “My skin actually was really bad as a child. Horrible. Hands, feet, elbows, everything.” Eventually after experiencing joint pain and fatigue, she was also diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis around age 20 at which time she started on her first biologic. “I struggled a lot with nail pitting and thickness as a kid and have recently been going through another episode.”

Resources:

-Still have questions? Contact the Patient Navigation Center .

-Nail Psoriasis or Nail Fungus? Advance Online June 2025.

-What Your Nails Can Tell Your Doctor About PsA Advance Online March 2020 .